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Ten years have passed since Tiger Woods roared into the national spotlight, winning the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes and finishing a record 18-under par.

Now, as Woods sets his sights on his fifth Masters title, the man who handed him his first green jacket is still in awe of the performance Woods put on during that magical weekend at Augusta.

“To end up 18-under par – it was just ridiculous, wasn’t it?” said three-time Masters champ Nick Faldo, who will serve as CBS’ lead analyst this weekend.

“We just saw it unfold, and I don’t think we really believed it. Nobody believed that you could take a lead at Augusta and just keep adding [to it]. That set the benchmark of what this man is capable of doing.”

Tiger has since compiled 11 more victories in major tournaments, second only to Jack Nicklaus’ 18. And while Woods already has completed the “Tiger Slam,” winning all four major championships consecutively from 2000-01, the world’s greatest golfer has his sights on winning all four this season, completing the first Grand Slam in modern golf history.

“The amazing thing is, we won’t be surprised [if he does it],” Faldo said. “He will probably set that as a goal this year, and he has the capability.

“He’s probably the only one who could do it. It’s an incredible feat. Back in my era, I didn’t think it was doable because I personally couldn’t cope with the media’s attention. Tiger can.”

But even after witnessing Tiger’s romp in ’97, Faldo wasn’t entirely sold on the young prodigy.

“I honestly thought [Tiger] may have problems with the other majors … but he was able to adapt his game very quickly,” Faldo said. “It’s quite an art to be able to come from America, bring a game, and win a British Open in different conditions, but this is what he’s been able to do. He’s adapted, changed his game, changed his swing over the years, so he’s better equipped for every situation.”

But before talk of a Grand Slam can become serious, Woods must take the first step of winning at Augusta this weekend. Faldo believes it’s far from a foregone conclusion.

“I honestly believe there’s quite a few new faces now who can run with Tiger,” Faldo said. “Whether they can finish it off, that’s the real big question.”

Among those Faldo likes is Charles Howell – if Howell can keep the ball on the fairway.

“I think his chances are very good this week,” Faldo said.

Of course Faldo, after erasing Greg Norman’s six-shot lead to win his third green jacket in 1996, is well aware things can change quickly at Augusta.